The Orange County Commission has approved a new map, known as Map 7B, which expands the county’s commission districts from six to eight. This significant change marks a crucial milestone in the voter-approved redistricting process. With this new map in place, the responsibility now falls on the Supervisor of Elections to review and update over 250 voting precincts across the county.
This process, referred to as “reprecincting,” ensures that every voter receives the correct ballot on Election Day, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. As a result of the new district boundaries, some existing precincts will need to be split, merged, or realigned. Consequently, many voters can expect to see changes to their precinct numbers and polling places ahead of the upcoming countywide election in August 2026.
To illustrate the changes, consider a fictional precinct named Precinct 300. Previously, this precinct was entirely situated within County Commission District 3. Under the new configuration, parts of this area now fall within District 4, necessitating the division of Precinct 300 into two separate precincts. Each new precinct will have its own polling location.
The reprecincting process is guided by three key principles. First, efforts are made to keep voters at their current polling places whenever possible. Second, the aim is to maintain the integrity of neighborhoods to ensure that residents living across the street from each other are not assigned to different polling places. Lastly, officials strive to prevent precincts from becoming so large that they lead to long lines on Election Day. Despite these efforts, some changes will be inevitable.
Transparency during this process is paramount, as it fosters trust between the election office and the public. In an era when misinformation about elections is prevalent, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Karen Castor Dentel, emphasizes the importance of clear and honest communication about the electoral process.
Once the reprecincting is finalized, the office will send out new Voter Information Cards to all registered voters in Orange County. These cards will be mailed after the new year and will include vital information such as precinct numbers, districts, and polling places. Voters are encouraged to review their cards carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and to keep the cards accessible for future reference.
Voters can also access their information online at ocfelections.gov 24/7, providing a convenient way to stay informed about upcoming elections.
Redistricting and reprecincting go beyond mere logistical adjustments; they are essential to ensuring that every voter’s voice is heard and that every vote carries weight. By maintaining accurate maps and a transparent process, the election office works to strengthen the community’s representation in government. Through this commitment, democracy is not just an ideal but a living reality in Orange County.
